SENIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Curriculum is designed at Bayswater Secondary College to promote academic excellence and to allow students to harness the skills required for them to flourish as leaders in a 21st Century world.

Senior School at a glance – Year 10

In year 10, the development of the Individual Learning Plan will see students making choices from the elective (and VCE) blocks to cater for their individual interests, skills and development. Students will complete the subjects of: English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Heath and Physical Education in their Year Level. They will, however, choose (with guidance from the Home Teacher and in consultation with parents) the appropriate electives to ensure a comprehensive education and an extended education.

ENGLISH

The Year 10 English course focuses on preparing students for the demands of Senior School. The unit outcomes and expectations are closely modelled on the requirements of Year 11 English to minimise the jump to VCE.

MATHEMATICS

Students are challenged to apply the formulas and concepts learned previously to make predictions and solve problems. Algebraic concepts such as factorising, expansion and simplifying are applied to quadratic equations and simultaneous linear equations.

SCIENCE

Students will develop further skills, knowledge and understanding in earth and space, natural disasters, forces, ecology, biodiversity, waste, robotics (designing, building and programming), chemistry, water and myth busting. The main aim of each of the above focus areas is to encourage students to incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) into everyday thinking.

HUMANITIES

Humanities students undertake a study of History, Geography, Economics and Business and Civics and Citizenship. History students investigate World War II and rights and freedoms, linking with their Civics and Citizenship study of identity and diversity. In Geography students gain knowledge of environmental change and how human wellbeing is influenced by this change.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In year 10, students compare and contrast a range of actions that could be undertaken to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. They complete the Respectful Relationships Program they have worked through over the past 2 years. They work collaboratively to design training programs that will improve areas of their own fitness.

Senior School at a glance – Year 11 & 12

There are two types of programs available to students at our Bayswater Secondary College. Within each of these programs students have the opportunity to participate in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course of their choice.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

There are two types of programs available to students at our Bayswater Secondary College. Within each of these programs students have the opportunity to participate in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course of their choice.

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Participation in a VCAL program provides students the opportunity of completing a senior secondary certificate to Year 12. The program is designed for students with a clear career focus in a particular industry/trade and may include a VET course. Students selecting this pathway will improve their literacy and numeracy skills, complete industry specific training and undertake regular work placement. Students completing a VCAL program may undertake a TAFE course, pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship or begin full time employment. It is possible for VCE students to transfer into a VCAL program.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET courses are nationally recognised programs enabling students to obtain an accredited qualification in a number of areas. These courses can be used as part of a student’s VCE or VCAL program contributing towards their ATAR or VCAL Certificate.

Further Reading

The full Senior School Curriculum guide will be available online in 2018. If you require an information please contact the College.